Week 3 Waiver Wire Picks: Running Backs

September 18, 2017 by Brendan Cole

Running back is getting even thinner with injuries continuing to pile up. It looks like Jordan Howard may miss time and that would mean multiple top 10 picks sitting already. There is still time to fill out your roster; check out the waiver wire and get help while you can.

*(Waiver Picks are meant for long term investment, but for fun I list the 1 week returns on my last batch of picks. Fantasy Points Based On Standard League Scoring)*

It is too early to say that Allen is taking over the Ravens backfield, but things are certainly trending that way. The Cardinals have a mess in their backfield; it looks like none of their backs are worth a roster spot. The Bears may be down Jordan Howard next week and that could mean big things for Cohen. The rumors of Frank Gore's demise were a bit exaggerated, but Mack is still the eventual lead in Indy. It looks like a RBBC in Houston, but Foreman will still be a valuable flex piece.

Week 3 Picks

10 Team Leagues

The Seahawks look like they are all but anointing Carson as their lead back. Eddie Lacy is all done and Rawls can't stay on the field. C.J. Prosise will likely still handle passing downs. The rest of the time, it is a safe bet that Carson is the guy and he is almost universally available. This is a player that should be owned in every league.

Javorius Allen BAL Ownership: 7.8%

Despite the buzz over Terrance West, Allen has looked like the Ravens best back since preseason. Last week he had the most carries not the team and got into the end zone. If things keep going the way that they are, Allen is going to be a three down force out of nowhere. He has had some mild degree of success in the past and the Ravens seem to trust him again. Grab Allen and plug him into your lineup right away. We could be looking at RB2 numbers for the next few weeks.

12 Team Leagues

Samaje Perine WAS Ownership: 1.8%

Rob Kelley was the 'Skins unquestioned rushing down back, but he may miss time. Kelley may have suffered a fractured rib and that would likely mean some bench time. Chris Thompson saw a lot of play on Sunday, but he is not ideal for a three down role. What will likely happen if Kelley is out would be Perine on rushing downs and Thompson for passing plays. It might be risky to start Perine, but he is no doubt a talented rusher.

Jalen Richard OAK Ownership: 1.7%

It is hard to take the week 2 stats too seriously since they came against the Jets. Still, the Raiders gave Richard quite a few touches and he made the most of them. He had over 100 total yards and a touchdown on just 8 touches. There is no doubt that Marshawn Lynch is the starter in Oakland. There is a chance that Richard could wrestle away the number two spot from DeAndre Washington though. At the least, he is a solid matchup based flex play for now.

If You Dare

Once a coveted fantasy asset, Jamaal Charles is a risky play at this point. The Broncos have multiple talented rushers as C.J. Anderson is dominating and Charles has his burst back. There is reason to believe that Charles will continue to receiver very limited touches. As he works back into a rhythm he could go off for a huge play at any time. The risk you run is that when he does not have a big play, his stat line will be lacking.

Check back often for more of our exclusive content. There will be more waiver wire help, sleepers and general advice all season and offseason. As always, follow us on Twitter for additional insight and analysis: @_knuckleheads and @brendancole16.

About Brendan Cole

Brendan is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a concentration in journalism. He is a lifelong sports fan who is currently molding his two sons to follow in his footsteps. Follow him on Twitter